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Family members say Monsignor Joseph Bambera was studying to be a dentist when he informed them of his call to Christ.

The change did not phase his mother, Irene Bambera, who said her primary concern was that her son get a college education.

"I was a little surprised, but I'm happy he made the choice," she said.

As her son's life takes another unanticipated turn - as 10th bishop of the Diocese of Scranton - Mrs. Bambera said she could not be prouder. "I think if every mother had a son like him, their lives would be fulfilled," she said.

Monsignor Bambera is the second local priest to lead the diocese. A Carbondale native born in 1956, he attended Catholic schools - St. Rose Elementary School and St. Rose High School, graduating valedictorian in 1974. He began his theological studies at St. Pius X Seminary in 1978, after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts. He earned a Master of Divinity at Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton.

His sister, Karen Hoffman of Stroudsburg, remembers her younger brother as a caring and thoughtful boy who loved to draw and was an altar server at church. He thoroughly enjoys being around people and has a knack for making them feel comfortable, she said.

He also has been an important figure in the lives of his niece and nephew, Elizabeth and Charles, baptizing them both and supporting them at concerts and games. "He's certainly caring and thoughtful," she said. "He has always been that way."

The Rev. Donald Williams, Misericordia University chaplain, recalled Monsignor Bambera as an intelligent and engaging contemporary. Both studied at St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton, and they were ordained together in 1983.

Monsignor Bambera brings a wealth of experience to his position, having assumed many diverse assignments and leadership positions, the Rev. Williams said.

His favorite assignments were pastoral ones, and his selection is an affirmation to local parishioners who have rallied around him. "My sense is that it's a real blessing that he's coming from within the diocese," the Rev. Williams said.

During his most recent pastoral assignment, Monsignor Bambera showed strength when things literally came crashing down around him.

A collapsed drop ceiling at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Archbald forced a temporary merger with St. Mary of Czestochowa, and parishioners applauded Monsignor Bambera's ability to make the best of a tough situation.

"He just did anything he could possible do to make people feel welcome," said parishioner Nancy Addley.

His gift is his ability to bring people together, she said. He is also a peacemaker, who is mindful of the feelings and opinions of others, and willing to listen.

He also led the creation of a parish food kitchen, said St. Thomas Aquinas parishioner Austin Burke, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce president. His guidance helped people realize the needs of the broader community, and they stepped forward accordingly.

"I think the people from this diocese will love him," he said. "Those that know him love him already."

STAFF WRITER Laura Legere contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: cbaress@timesshamrock.com

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2 posted comments

Best place for the Bishop to start is to suggest that his boss, the Pope reflect on the injustice of having half the flock (the women) ineligible for any positions of responsibility in the Church, as well as we married men. The Pope did ask us to reflect on justice over Lent, after all. This would solve the priest shortage and enable the ethnic parishes to remain open.

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